Schools
Left: Teachers pictured in the 1948 Herring Street School yearbook. Center: Charles M. Clayton (top) and Sara T. Blackmon. Right: Albert J. Martin.
The first school for African-Americans in Decatur was a small parochial school started by a Presbyterian minister. In 1902, the first public school for African-Americans opened. That school relocated in 1913 and became known as Herring Street School.
With support from the community, the school expanded and was rebuilt as Beacon Elementary School and Trinity High School in 1956 and 1957. Although the Supreme Court ruled in 1954 that segregated schools were unconstitutional, it would be 18 years before Decatur’s public schools were completely integrated.
Despite the scarcity of resources available to them, teachers formed a Teachers’ Club at Herring Street School to provide college tuition scholarships for underprivileged students. Teachers and school administrators were widely respected throughout the Beacon community, and school principals were admired civic leaders.
Principal of Herring Street School 1933-1953, Professor Charles M. Clayton taught students that the road to success is difficult but made easier through education. He earned a masters in education from Clark/Atlanta University and a law degree from LaSalle University. While principal at Herring Street, he helped found the Gate City Bar Association for African-American lawyers who were excluded from the Atlanta Bar Association.
Sara T. Blackmon was a popular educator and administrator at Herring Street School and the first principal of Beacon Elementary. Dedicated to lifelong education, she attended Morris Brown College and went on to complete graduate work at Atlanta University.
Albert J. Martin had a profound impact on many of Decatur’s African-American students. He was appointed principal of Herring Street School in 1953, and went on to serve as Trinity High School’s only principal from its opening in 1956 to its closure in 1967. Martin was also a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated the Shrimp Boat restaurant in Atlanta.
Left: Going to a movie at the Ritz, part of the Atlanta-based Bailey Theaters chain, which catered solely to African-Americans. The company was owned by a white man. Center: Rollerskating at the Allen Wilson Terrace Apartments. Right: Trinity High School football was great entertainment in the community.
For youngsters, Beacon provided numerous spots to meet up with friends, enjoy quick meals and snacks, and to enhance the close-knit nature of the community. Special events also helped to bring the community together.
